Dead Scared

‘NICK, IT’S EVI.’

Nick Bell pushed his phone against his ear, held it in place with his shoulder and beeped open his car. ‘Hi, Evi,’ he said. ‘You OK?’

‘Fine, thanks. Is this a good time?’

‘I’m just getting into my car,’ said Nick, as he did exactly that. One dog on the rear seat looked up and waved its tail in greeting. The other didn’t even open its eyes. ‘I have to set off in five minutes so unless you want to be responsible for me committing an illegal act, that’s how long you’ve got.’

‘You can get hands-free systems now, you know,’ Evi told him.

‘Had one. Dog ate it. What can I do for you?’

‘How would you feel about releasing information on suicide attempts over the last five years?’

Nick slipped the key into the ignition. ‘You mean amongst patients at the practice?’ he asked.

‘I know you can’t give me names, but numbers of cases and a rough idea of the dates would help.’

‘It’s still bothering you, then?’

‘It is, yes.’

‘Let me run it past the partners. I’ll get back to you. Now are you sure you’re OK? You don’t sound too …’

‘I’m fine, thanks, Nick. Talk to you later.’